Pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 20-1, 42-17.1 and 42-17.6 of the General Laws of Rhode Island as amended, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act Chapter 42-35 of the General Laws, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) proposes rulemaking relative to the Rhode Island Freshwater and Anadromous Fishing Regulations for the 2009-2010 Season, and Rhode Island Hunting Regulations for the 2008 -2009 Season, as well as proposed amendments to the Parks and Management Area Regulations and gives notice of intent to hold a public hearing to afford interested parties the opportunity for public comment.

Public comment will be solicited on the following proposals:

1. Proposed adoption of the Freshwater and Anadromous Fishing Regulations for the 2009-2010 Season;
2. Proposed adoption of the Hunting Regulations for the 2008-2009 Season; and
3. Proposed changes to the Parks and Management Area Regulations.

The above referenced public hearing will be conducted at the Warwick Police Station, which is located at 140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Warwick, RI. The public hearing will commence at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2008. The hearing room is handicap accessible. A taped record of the hearings will be made and the DEM will provide interpreter services for the hearing impaired, provided such services are requested at least 48 hours prior to the hearing date. A request for this service can be made in writing to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 or by calling 401-222-6800 or TDD 401-831-5508. Written comments concerning any of the regulations proposed for promulgation by the DEM may also be submitted concerning either proposal to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 10, 2008.

The Department has determined that small businesses should not be adversely impacted by the proposed regulations. However, the public hearings are being conducted to solicit comment on the proposals and to allow public input from small businesses or any cities or towns, which believe that they may be adversely affected. Small businesses which are either currently engaged or in the future may seek permission to sell fishing or hunting equipment or supplies as well as the small businesses that provide services related to those engaged in such industries and small businesses which provide services related to fishing and hunting are requested to comment on the proposed regulations on how such proposed action can be changed to minimize the impact on those small businesses affected.

A copy of all the proposed regulations will be available for examination from May 12 through June 10, 2008 by mail or at the offices of the Division of Fish and Wildlife located at 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Electronic copies of the proposed regulations will also be available on the DEM website.